As of January 2025, Mike McCarthy is still the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, a position he has held since 2020. However, discussions surrounding his future with the team, especially after the Cowboys’ performance in the 2024 season, have been prevalent. The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most iconic franchises in NFL history, always attract attention when it comes to potential coaching changes. With that in mind, it’s useful to consider possible candidates who could succeed McCarthy as head coach if the decision were made to part ways with him.
While McCarthy’s tenure has not been without controversy, including mixed playoff performances and a lack of Super Bowl appearances since his hiring, the Cowboys have shown flashes of excellence, which might influence the decision to retain him or seek a change.
Let’s explore the potential future head coaches for the Dallas Cowboys, factoring in current coaching dynamics, team culture, and external candidates.
Factors Affecting the Decision
- Team Performance and McCarthy’s Tenure:
McCarthy’s tenure has been characterized by a mixture of playoff appearances and frustrating playoff exits. Despite having a talented roster, McCarthy has struggled to push the Cowboys past the divisional round of the playoffs. As a result, there may be increasing pressure from ownership to make a change if McCarthy does not take the team to a Super Bowl within a certain timeframe. - Owner Jerry Jones’s Influence:
Jerry Jones, the owner and general manager of the Cowboys, plays a pivotal role in determining the future of the coaching staff. Jones has historically shown a preference for experienced coaches, which is why McCarthy’s hire came as a significant decision after the team parted ways with longtime coach Jason Garrett. Jones has also been known to stick with coaches longer than other NFL owners would, creating an environment where coaching changes can be slow but inevitable under certain circumstances. - Dallas Cowboys Roster and Expectations:
The Cowboys currently boast a talented roster, particularly on defense, with stars like Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and Dak Prescott leading the offense. The team’s window for success is believed to be relatively narrow, and with the addition of key players, expectations are high. This elevates the pressure on McCarthy’s ability to deliver results. If he cannot produce a Super Bowl victory soon, it’s not unreasonable to assume Jones might look elsewhere for a more successful head coach. - Assistant Coaches and Personnel Changes:
McCarthy’s success as a head coach has been partially tied to the performances of key assistant coaches, including offensive coordinator Kellen Moore (who left the team in 2023) and defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Should either of these assistant coaches become head coach material, it would make sense for the Cowboys to promote from within, which is a strategy the organization has employed in the past. - Public Perception and Media Scrutiny:
The Cowboys, being one of the most media-covered teams in the NFL, are frequently scrutinized by the public and analysts alike. McCarthy has faced criticism for his game management, clock management, and his ability to lead the team to consistent postseason success. Public opinion may push the Cowboys toward a coaching change if McCarthy cannot capitalize on the team’s roster talent.
Candidates to Succeed Mike McCarthy
1. Dan Quinn (Defensive Coordinator)
One of the most obvious internal candidates to succeed McCarthy would be Dan Quinn, the current defensive coordinator. Quinn, who was hired in 2021, has quickly transformed the Cowboys’ defense into one of the NFL’s most feared units. Under Quinn’s leadership, the defense has developed into an aggressive, fast-paced unit, with standout players such as Micah Parsons playing at an elite level.
Quinn is a seasoned head coach who previously led the Atlanta Falcons to a Super Bowl appearance (Super Bowl LI) in 2017. His ability to handle a high-profile position such as head coach would make him an attractive candidate for the Cowboys if they decide to part ways with McCarthy. Furthermore, Quinn’s defensive prowess could provide the Cowboys with a well-rounded approach, especially given the team’s success on that side of the ball.
However, the primary concern with Quinn is whether his style as a defensive-minded coach could succeed in a league that increasingly emphasizes high-powered offenses. While Quinn would bring an aggressive defensive identity, he would still need to find the right offensive coordinator to complement his defensive approach.
2. Kellen Moore (Former Offensive Coordinator)
Kellen Moore, who served as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2022, is another internal candidate who could potentially return to the Cowboys in a head coaching capacity. Moore was one of the youngest and brightest offensive minds in the NFL during his time with the Cowboys, overseeing a high-scoring offense with Dak Prescott at the helm.
After leaving the Cowboys in 2023, Moore became the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, where he has had success revamping their offensive system. Should the Chargers part ways with Moore or should Moore desire a head coaching role, he could be a natural candidate for the Cowboys. His familiarity with the team’s personnel and philosophy would make him a seamless transition from McCarthy’s regime.
Moore’s potential as a head coach would depend on whether he could expand his skill set beyond offensive game planning. Given the demands of leading a team, Moore would need to prove he could handle all facets of the head coaching role, including team leadership and in-game decision-making.
3. Sean Payton (Former New Orleans Saints Head Coach)
Sean Payton’s name has frequently been linked to coaching vacancies in recent years. Payton, a Super Bowl-winning head coach with the New Orleans Saints, is one of the most respected minds in the NFL. After taking a year off from coaching in 2023, Payton was hired by the Denver Broncos in 2024. However, if the Broncos experience a lack of success or Payton finds himself underwhelmed by the team’s progression, it would not be surprising if the Cowboys came calling.
Payton has a reputation for being a quarterback whisperer, and with Dak Prescott currently the face of the franchise, Payton’s ability to work with quarterbacks could be a game-changer for the Cowboys’ offense. Payton’s pedigree and experience as an established head coach would certainly be a welcomed addition to a Cowboys team looking for stability at the top.
4. Eric Bieniemy (Washington Commanders Offensive Coordinator)
Eric Bieniemy has long been considered one of the top head coaching candidates in the NFL. The former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator, who helped build one of the league’s most potent offenses alongside Patrick Mahomes, took a new role with the Washington Commanders as their offensive coordinator in 2023.
Bieniemy’s leadership and his ability to develop a high-powered offense could be precisely what the Cowboys need to reach the next level. His candidacy would likely be influenced by how successful the Washington offense performs under his guidance. If Bieniemy can prove he’s ready for a head coaching role and continues to show his offensive acumen, the Cowboys may take a serious look at him as a successor to McCarthy.
5. Jim Harbaugh (Michigan Wolverines Head Coach)
Jim Harbaugh’s name has been floated as a potential NFL head coach for several years, and the Cowboys could become a landing spot for the former San Francisco 49ers head coach. Harbaugh has proven to be a highly successful head coach both at the collegiate and professional levels. His time with the 49ers was marked by a trip to the Super Bowl and multiple NFC Championship appearances. Since his return to Michigan, Harbaugh has restored the program to national prominence.
Harbaugh is known for his intense leadership style and discipline, qualities that could resonate well with the Cowboys’ locker room. Additionally, Harbaugh’s success in developing quarterbacks would make him an appealing candidate for a team with Dak Prescott under center.
One potential hurdle, however, is whether Harbaugh would leave his successful program at Michigan for an NFL job, especially given his status as a college coaching legend. But if the Cowboys are looking for a proven leader with a track record of success, Harbaugh would certainly be in the conversation.
6. Other External Candidates
- Ben Johnson (Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator):
Johnson, the offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, has quickly gained recognition for his innovative offensive schemes. He has been credited with developing Jared Goff into a top-tier quarterback and elevating the Lions’ offense. Johnson could be an attractive candidate for the Cowboys if they decide to go outside their current coaching staff. - DeMeco Ryans (Houston Texans Head Coach):
Ryans, who became the head coach of the Houston Texans in 2023, has shown promise in his first season. Ryans is known for his defensive acumen and leadership skills. Should Ryans’ tenure with the Texans end early, or if he shows a desire to move on, the Cowboys may look to poach him as a future head coach. - Mike Vrabel (Tennessee Titans Head Coach):
Vrabel is a highly respected coach who has built a tough, gritty football team in Tennessee. His leadership style and ability to motivate players could be exactly what the Cowboys need. Though he is currently with the Titans, Vrabel’s success in developing strong teams could make him a potential candidate down the line.
